The Tradition of Decorative Butter
The concept of beautifying butter dates back to an era where meticulous table settings and aesthetic meals were highly valued. Inspired by European dining traditions, tools and techniques were developed to create butter curls, balls, and other shapes. While such practices might seem extravagant today, they remain a delightful way to elevate any meal.
Ingredients
- Sticks of butter or margarine chilled
- Bowl of hot water
- Bowl of ice water
- Equipment:
- Butter curler for butter curls
- Butter paddles for butter balls
- Melon baller optional
- Paring knife
- Cutting board
- Metal teaspoon
- Waxed paper
Instructions
Making Butter Curls
- Heat the Curler: Place the butter curler in a bowl of hot water to warm it.
- Curl the Butter: Starting at the far end of a chilled stick of butter, pull the curler firmly across the surface. This will create a beautiful spiral curl.
- Chill: Place the finished curl into a bowl of ice water to keep it firm. Repeat for the desired number of curls, reheating the curler in hot water as needed.
Crafting Butter Balls
- Chill the Paddles: Submerge butter paddles in ice water until cold.
- Cut Butter Pieces: Place a chilled stick of butter on a cutting board and slice it into 1/2-inch pieces using a paring knife.
- Shape with Fingers: Form each piece into a rough ball shape with your fingers.
- Roll Between Paddles: Roll the butter ball between the scored sides of the cold paddles, moving them in small circles in opposite directions. This creates a smooth, spherical shape.
Notes
Optional: If you have a melon baller, dip it in hot water and scoop butter balls directly for an easier method.